Roe v. Wade still influencing women's rights 40 years later

ALBANY -- While some might say 40 is "over the hill," Roe v. Wade still seems to be in its prime with influencing women's equality four decades later.

In 1973, the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that a right to privacy protected under the 14th Amendment extended to a woman's decision to have an abortion. The court later clarified that a woman had a right to an abortion until the baby was "viable", or could live outside the womb with or without artificial assistance. This time period is usually thought to extend to 28 weeks, or sometimes as early as 24 weeks.

The landmark decision has been seen as a significant step in women's rights and continues to be a rallying cry for a myriad of activists, including those at Concerned Clergy for Choice and the Family Planning Advocates of NYS. Both groups were excited about recent discussion of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's Women's Equality Act which is meant to level the playing field between men and women regarding finding a job, the pay scale, finding a home, domestic violence, sexual harassment, and reproduction.

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"We're excited and confident," said FPA President and CEO M. Tracey Brooks. "New York State, taking a leadership position once again on an important topic, is ready to move forward."

In 1965, illegal abortions made up nearly one-fifth of all pregnancy-and childbirth-related deaths, said officials with Planned Parenthood. In the 40 years since Roe v. Wade blocked states from banning abortion, it has been one of the safest medical procedures - today, less than 0.3 percent of women undergoing legal abortions sustain a serious complication.

According to a 2012 Gallup poll, 77 percent of Americans think abortion should be legal in some or all circumstances. And, according to a post-election poll from the Pew Research Center, 64 percent of voters younger than 30 said that abortion should be legal in all or most cases.

"As a leading women's health care provider and advocate in the greater Capital Region of New York State, Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood understands that abortion is a deeply personal and often complex decision for a woman to consider if and when she needs it," said Chelly Hegan, UHPP President/CEO. "A woman should have accurate information about all her options around her pregnancy. To protect their health and the health of their families, women must have access to safe, legal abortion services without interference from politicians, as protected by the highest court."

Each year, more than 13,000 patients make more than 20,000 visits to UHPP health centers in Albany, Hudson and Troy for services that include PAP tests, breast exams and self exam instruction, colposcopy, cryosurgery and LEEP, birth control information and supplies. Planned Parenthood health centers across the country provide health care that helps women prevent an estimated 684,000 unintended pregnancies and 325,000 abortions every year, officials said.

Rabbi Dennis Ross with Concerned Clergy for Choice stated, "Our nation is witnessing faith-driven attacks against Roe v. Wade in Congress and in many state Capitols. Passing the Women's Equality Act will protect the women of New York State and honor the spirit of Roe v. Wade. As pastors to women and families in all kinds of medical situations, the members of Concerned Clergy for Choice affirm the need to safeguard and strengthen the protections for women. Gov. Cuomo's proposals honor the moral call for justice."

The Women's Equality Act, discussed at Cuomo's State of the State address earlier this month, is expected to be voted on later this legislative session.